Saddlers Snap Up Fox

Daniel Fox has followed in the footsteps of his former Everton
team-mate Anthony Gerrard and signed in at League One side
Walsall.

The 19-year-old, who spent a large part of last season on-loan
in Scotland with Stranraer, was released by David Moyes at the end
of the season and has since been searching for a new club.

Saddlers boss Paul Merson has taken full advantage of his
availability and moved quickly to snap the left-sided defender up
on a two-year deal.

Like Gerrard, Fox progressed through the youth ranks at Goodison
Park and he admitted that the chance to team-up again with his
close friend played a big part in his decision to sign.

He said: "Me and Anthony are very close. I spoke with him
a few times when he was here on loan last season and he asked me if
I knew whether I was being kept on at Everton. When I told him I
didn't think I was, he said he'd have a word with Paul
Merson.

"I came down to the stadium last week and had a look around
and as soon as I saw the place, I had good vibes and made up my
mind that this is where I wanted to be.

"Obviously, the chance to link up with Anthony again was a
big factor. We've played in the same team since we were 14, him
at centre-back and me at left-back. We've got a good bond, on
and off the pitch."

Fox, who was a regular for Everton reserves as well as being
named as an unused substitute for the senior game against Aston
Villa last October, also admitted that playing regular first team
football under boss Paul Merson was a big draw

He added: "I grew up watching Paul Merson and he was, and
still is, a quality player. Speaking to Anthony, he says that the
manager has a lot of faith in young players and wants to play the
game in the right way.

"He says that there is a good bunch of young players here
who are hungry for success and I want to be part of it."